DNA Methylation in Cancer: Epigenetic View of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Abstract

Background: Alterations in DNA methylation play an important role in cancer development and progression. Dietary nutrients and lifestyle behaviors can influence DNA methylation patterns and thereby modulate cancer risk. Introduction: To comprehensively review available evidence on how dietary and lifestyle factors impact DNA methylation and contribute to carcinogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify relevant studies published between 2005 and 2022 that examined relationships between dietary/lifestyle factors and DNA methylation in cancer. Studies investigating the effects of dietary components (eg, micronutrients, phytochemicals), physical activity, smoking, and obesity on global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes in animal and human cancer models were included. Data on specific dietary/lifestyle exposures, cancer types, DNA methylation targets and underlying mechanisms were extracted. Results: Multiple dietary and lifestyle factors were found to influence DNA methylation patterns through effects on DNA methyltransferase activity, methyl donor availability, and generation of oxidative stress. Altered methylation of specific genes regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation were linked to cancer development and progression. Conclusion: Dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed at modulating DNA methylation have potential for both cancer prevention and treatment through epigenetic mechanisms. Further research is needed to identify actionable targets for nutrition and lifestyle-based epigenetic therapies.

Permissive epigenetic regulatory mechanisms at the histone level are enhanced in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia

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Polygenic risk score model for renal cell carcinoma in the Korean population and relationship with lifestyle-associated factors

“…However, Cox proportional hazard analysis showed no evidence that lifestyle-associated factors and PRS directly interacted with each other. Numerous studies have recently reported the relationship between epigenetic markers and lifestyle-associated factors, such as stress, smoking, alcohol use, and diet [ 37 ]. Various environmental factors epigenetically remodel the genome without altering its DNA sequence.…”

Promoter hypermethylation as a novel regulator of ANO1 expression and function in prostate cancer bone metastasis

“…Mounting evidence suggests that dysregulation of DNMT activities is associated with aberrant hypo-or hypermethylation and has profound effects on gene transcription. Along these indications, recent www.nature.com/scientificreports/ investigations continue to unveil the pivotal role of aberrant DNA methylation and related epigenetic processes in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression [35][36][37] . Moreover, there are several reports that highlight a role of DNA methylation in regulating multiple facets of cancer metastatic process 4,[32][33][34]38 .…”